Information Policy

US Insists On Retaining Control Of Internet Governance

A senior US official rejected calls yesterday in Geneva for a UN body to take over control of the main computers that direct traffic on the Internet, reiterating US intentions to keep its historical role as the medium's principal overseer. Some negotiators from other countries said there was a growing sense that a compromise had to be reached and that no single country ought to be the ultimate authority over such a vital part of the global economy.

http://www.siliconvalley.com/mld/siliconvalley/news/editorial/12773397.htm

Global Competitiveness Report 2005-2006

On 28 September, 2005 the World Economic Forum has released Global Competitiveness Report 2005-2006. This annual study is a valuable tool for shaping economic policy and guiding investment decisions. It is one of the leading monitors of the competitive condition of economies worldwide. Produced in collaboration with leading academics and a global network of 122 Partner Institutes, The Global Competitiveness Report has expanded its geographic coverage over the years and now assesses 117 economies. The report is unique in that the methodology combines publicly available data with survey data that captures the perceptions and observations of business leaders in a given country.

http://www.weforum.org/site/homepublic.nsf/Content/Global+Competitiveness+Programme%5CGlobal+Competitiveness+Report

EU proposes a single market for radio spectrum use by wireless and RFID

The European Commission has set out a new EU strategy for an optimal use of radio spectrum in Europe.

Radio spectrum is a critical input for many sectors relying on wireless transmission such as broadcasting, transport systems and mobile telephony. How we manage this essential resource in Europe has a significant impact on consumer choices, growth and innovation potential. The proposed EU strategy aims to lower the barriers to access radio resources and to take advantage of the synergies resulting from a common European approach.

“Radio spectrum is fast becoming the lifeblood of the Information Society, whether you use a mobile phone or watch a TV broadcast.” said Information Society and Media Commissioner Viviane Reding. “The direct economic contribution of industries using the radio spectrum is already considerable, between 1 and 2% of national GDP in the EU, but could be greatly increased if national regulators and all stakeholders can identify common approaches at EU level to create a single market for equipment and services using radio spectrum.”

The development of an integrated EU market for innovative wireless devices and services promises to boost investments and economies of scale, assist trade flows, reduce prices and widen choices for consumers. It is however critically dependent on a common approach at EU level to managing radio spectrum resources. At the moment, radio spectrum usage is still fragmented among the 25 Member States, which prevents this important economic resource from being efficiently exploited across Europe. This is why the Commission proposes to develop common EU rules for a number of promising new mass-market applications, including Ultra Wideband and Broadband Wireless Access technologies as well as “wireless barcodes” for Radio Frequency Identification Tags (RFIDs).

http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=3744

Interconnection costs

This paper produced by South African Mike Jensen covers increasing North- South inequities (“paying both ways”) and proposed strategies for minimising the disparities in interconnection rates, accelerating the restructuring of the communications sector, supporting the establishment of national and international internet exchange points, and building local demand for national and international backbones.

http://rights.apc.org/documents/interconnection_costs.pdf

Slovenia sets up e-services portal for entrepreneurs

The portal e-VEM – Slovenia’s online one stop shop for business entities – has been in operation since 1 July 2005.

The basic purpose of the e-VEM project is to provide a suitable information support for the future entrepreneur and enable him/her to start with business operations in the shortest time possible.

The e-VEM portal is the front-end of the wider VEM ("One stop shop") system, which aims at allowing faster and cheaper start-up for enterprises. The VEM system is made up of three elements: info points; support points; and registration points (e-VEM points).

http://europa.eu.int/idabc/en/document/4709/194